**Police Investigate Link Between Government Employee and Fatal Shooting of Arizona Mother**
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Authorities in Arizona have initiated an investigation following the tragic shooting of Maria Lewis, a 32-year-old mother of seven, whose life was taken over the weekend. The local police have established a connection between the incident and Dulance Morin, a 47-year-old government employee, although he has not been formally named as a suspect.
According to the Mesa Police Department, Lewis was discovered unresponsive at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, at the doorstep of a residence in Mesa. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an “injured person” at the specified location. The details surrounding the call and its origin remain unclear.
Dulance Morin, who works for the Attorney General’s office, is known to own the property where Lewis was found. Following the shooting, he was placed on administrative leave while the police investigation proceeds. Richie Taylor, the Communications Director for the Attorney General’s office, confirmed the department’s full cooperation with Mesa police, although the nature of Morin’s connection to the shooting has not been explicitly outlined.
Maria Lewis leaves behind seven children, the youngest of whom is just two years old. Her husband, Albert Mendivil, expressed his devastation over the loss, stating that he had no prior knowledge that Lewis had been shot until he saw police lights illuminating their home. He recounted the moments after Lewis had stepped out for a walk, mentioning he had been at home caring for their children, and was shocked by the series of events that unfolded.
In remarks shared with local media outlet 12 News, Mendivil conveyed his disbelief and sorrow, saying, “I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what made her go over there.” Friends and family of Lewis are remembering her as a remarkable individual, describing her as caring, talented, and both a cool and strict mother. Emily Ortiz praised her in a heartfelt Facebook tribute, highlighting Lewis’s kindness and sense of humour.
A fundraiser has been established on GoFundMe to support Lewis’s children and her husband during this extremely challenging time. The community has rallied around the family, recognising both the emotional and financial impacts of such a significant loss.
As the investigation continues, it remains uncertain what specific role, if any, Morin played in the incident. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office has classified the death as a homicide, yet police have not provided additional information about the nature of the investigation or any potential charges against individuals connected to the case.
The Mesa police have reiterated their commitment to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event. With no charges filed to date, the community is left to grapple with the shock of losing a devoted mother and family member.
As reports surface, the public will be looking for updates on the investigation into the shooting and any further developments involving Dulance Morin. The incident highlights the potential for complexity in such cases, as the involvement of government personnel adds a layer of scrutiny to the proceedings.
With many unanswered questions surrounding this heartbreaking event, the community’s focus remains on providing support to Lewis’s grieving family and ensuring justice is sought in the wake of her untimely death.